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Himmerich H, Keeler JL, Davies HL, Tessema SA, Treasure J. The evolving profile of eating disorders and their treatment in a changing and globalised world. Lancet 2024; 403:2671-2675. [PMID: 38705161 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hubertus Himmerich
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Johanna Louise Keeler
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Helena L Davies
- Center for Eating and Feeding Disorders Research, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital-Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Ambwani S, Coull E, Cardi V, Rowlands K, Treasure J. Every mistake is a treasure: Lessons learned from the TRIANGLE trial for anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1330-1336. [PMID: 38226436 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite several decades of treatment research for anorexia nervosa (AN), many of the same questions remain: how to boost enrollment, engage participants, prevent attrition, and meet the needs of a diverse patient population within the rigorous framework of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS In this research forum, we highlight some of the challenges and opportunities observed over the course of TRIANGLE, the largest RCT for severe AN treatment in the UK to date. We discuss strategies for addressing common challenges and avoiding common pitfalls and propose solutions to future researchers seeking to conduct treatment research in AN. RESULTS Our experience underscores the value of involving people with lived experience at every stage of intervention research. We offer additional recommendations for treatment researchers, including, (1) early qualitative research to identify patient barriers and obstacles, (2) clear, systematic collaboration with clinical sites for patient recruitment and passive data collection, (3) careful consideration of assessment metrics, including repeated measurement of quality of life, (4) adopting a flexible, patient-centered approach to clinical trial research, and (5) considering the unique needs and obstacles that might impact carer participation in research and their ability to provide support to their loved ones. DISCUSSION We hope that these lessons learned will prove fruitful for the next generation of researchers embarking on treatment research for AN. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Using the TRIANGLE trial as an illustrative case study, we highlight the value of lived experience and codesign for developing and testing interventions for AN. We offer several lessons learned over the course of the trial, pertaining to trial enrollment, retention and engagement, measurement of outcomes, and research adaptations for real-world settings, and hope that these recommendations facilitate future treatment research for AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Ambwani
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eliza Coull
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valentina Cardi
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Katie Rowlands
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Targa G, Mottarlini F, Rizzi B, Taddini S, Parolaro S, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Anorexia-Induced Hypoleptinemia Drives Adaptations in the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in the Ventral and Dorsal Hippocampus of Female Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:1171. [PMID: 38674862 PMCID: PMC11054075 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an appetite-regulating adipokine that is reduced in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by self-imposed starvation, and has been linked to hyperactivity, a hallmark of AN. However, it remains unknown how leptin receptor (LepR) and its JAK2-STAT3 downstream pathway in extrahypothalamic brain areas, such as the dorsal (dHip) and ventral (vHip) hippocampus, crucial for spatial memory and emotion regulation, may contribute to the maintenance of AN behaviors. Taking advantage of the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model (i.e., the combination of food restriction and physical activity), we observed reduced leptin plasma levels in adolescent female ABA rats at the acute phase of the disorder [post-natal day (PND) 42], while the levels increased over control levels following a 7-day recovery period (PND49). The analysis of the intracellular leptin pathway revealed that ABA rats showed an overall decrease of the LepR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling in dHip at both time points, while in vHip we observed a transition from hypo- (PND42) to hyperactivation (PND49) of the pathway. These changes might add knowledge on starvation-induced fluctuations in leptin levels and in hippocampal leptin signaling as initial drivers of the transition from adaptative mechanisms to starvation toward the maintenance of aberrant behaviors typical of AN patients, such as perpetuating restraint over eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Beatrice Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Sofia Taddini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Susanna Parolaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.T.); (F.M.); (B.R.); (S.T.); (S.P.); (F.F.)
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Bryson C, Douglas D, Schmidt U. Established and emerging treatments for eating disorders. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:392-402. [PMID: 38503683 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are common mental health conditions that carry exceedingly high morbidity and mortality rates. Evidence-based treatment options include a range of psychotherapies and some, mainly adjunctive, pharmacological interventions. However, around 20-30% of people fail to respond to the best available treatments and develop a persistent treatment-refractory illness. Novel treatments for these disorders are emerging, but their efficacy and clinical relevance need further investigation. In this review article, we first outline the evidence-base for the established treatments of the three 'classical' EDs [anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED)]. We then review research on some of the most promising emerging treatment modalities, discussing the questions and challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Bryson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daire Douglas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Himmerich H, Treasure J. Anorexia nervosa: diagnostic, therapeutic, and risk biomarkers in clinical practice. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:350-360. [PMID: 38331700 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
In anorexia nervosa (AN), measurable biological parameters can inform the process of treating patients. Such biomarkers include established laboratory parameters as well as a range of potential future biomarkers, including genetic, metabolomic, microbiomic, endocrine, immunological, hematological, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging parameters. In this opinion article we discuss how these biomarkers can support diagnosic and therapeutic processes at specific steps during the AN treatment cycle, that is, the diagnosis, diagnostic specification, risk management, choice of therapy, therapy monitoring, and treatment review. History-taking, physical and neuropsychological examination, clinical observation, and judgment about treatment success by the patient, their carers, and members of the multidisciplinary team are essential to interpret laboratory and imaging data appropriately and to assess the full clinical picture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubertus Himmerich
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Keeler JL, Bahnsen K, Wronski ML, Bernardoni F, Tam F, Arold D, King JA, Kolb T, Poitz DM, Roessner V, Treasure J, Himmerich H, Ehrlich S. Longitudinal changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but not cytokines contribute to hippocampal recovery in anorexia nervosa above increases in body mass index. Psychol Med 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38450444 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical sequelae of anorexia nervosa (AN) include a marked reduction in whole brain volume and subcortical structures such as the hippocampus. Previous research has indicated aberrant levels of inflammatory markers and growth factors in AN, which in other populations have been shown to influence hippocampal integrity. METHODS Here we investigated the influence of concentrations of two pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the whole hippocampal volume, as well as the volumes of three regions (the hippocampal body, head, and tail) and 18 subfields bilaterally. Investigations occurred both cross-sectionally between acutely underweight adolescent/young adult females with AN (acAN; n = 82) and people recovered from AN (recAN; n = 20), each independently pairwise age-matched with healthy controls (HC), and longitudinally in acAN after partial renourishment (n = 58). Hippocampal subfield volumes were quantified using FreeSurfer. Concentrations of molecular factors were analyzed in linear models with hippocampal (subfield) volumes as the dependent variable. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, there was no evidence for an association between IL-6, TNF-α, or BDNF and between-group differences in hippocampal subfield volumes. Longitudinally, increasing concentrations of BDNF were positively associated with longitudinal increases in bilateral global hippocampal volumes after controlling for age, age2, estimated total intracranial volume, and increases in body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that increases in BDNF may contribute to global hippocampal recovery over and above increases in BMI during renourishment. Investigations into treatments targeted toward increasing BDNF in AN may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Louise Keeler
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friederike Tam
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dominic Arold
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Theresa Kolb
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David M Poitz
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Byrne SM, Fursland A. New understandings meet old treatments: putting a contemporary face on established protocols. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38336928 PMCID: PMC10854196 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the twenty years since the publication of the most widely used treatment manuals describing evidence-based therapies for eating disorders, there have been some substantial advances in the field. New methods of delivering treatments have been trialled and our perception of mental health has advanced; significant cultural changes have led to shifts in our societal landscape; and new technologies have allowed for more in-depth research to be conducted. As a result, our understanding of eating disorders and their treatment has broadened considerably. However, these new insights have not necessarily been translated into improved clinical practice. This paper highlights the changes we consider to have had the greatest impact on our work as experienced clinical psychologists in the field and suggests a list of new learnings that might be incorporated into clinical practice and research design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Byrne
- University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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